Flat Feet
What are flat feet?
Most people's feet have a space on the inner side where the bottom of the foot is off the ground (the 'arch' of the foot). Small children do not have an arch: it develops between the ages of 3 and 10. People who have a low arch, or no arch at all are said to have flat feet.
What causes flat feet?
Many people are born flat footed. It may run in the family, and both feet are usually much the same and reasonably supple.
In other cases, the foot tends to roll in too much on standing or walking. This may be due to lax ligaments in the heel joint or at the base of the big toe. The rolling in of the foot is known as 'pronation', so these people are said to have an 'over-pronated foot'.
Occasionally, a flat foot develops later in life. This may be due to a ruptured tendon (the tibialis posterior tendon), or arthritis or an injury causing stiffness and distortion of the joints of the foot.
Treatment
Most people whose flat feet ache feel better in well-fitted shoes: sometimes an extra-broad fitting helps. If you have over-pronated feet, we will advise on and fit an insole, which prevents your feet rolling over so much.
A flat foot due to a ruptured tendon or arthritis may be treated with pain-killers and an insole in the first instance. It is possible that you will need an operation to correct this, in which case we will advise you and help with your rehabilitation after the operation.
Chiropody Treatment